On Sunday, Nathan Lyon achieved a significant milestone by claiming his 500th Test wicket, contributing to Australia’s dominant 360-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test at Perth.
Despite Pakistan’s attempt to secure their first Test win in Australia since 1995, Lyon, along with Australia’s potent pace attack led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, dismantled the visitors in four days.
In pursuit of a challenging 450-run target, Pakistan faltered with Lyon taking 2-18, supported by Starc and Hazlewood who both secured three wickets each. Lyon reached the historic 500-wicket mark by dismissing Faheem Ashraf and Aamer Jamal in the same over, joining the exclusive club of seven players, including spin legends Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.
Australia win the first Test.
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 17, 2023
We move to Melbourne for the next game of the series#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/8IxMrpmeXi
Australia declared their second innings at 233-5 on the fourth day, with skipper Pat Cummins making the decision after opener Usman Khawaja’s resilient 90-run innings on a deteriorating pitch. Mitchell Marsh remained unbeaten on 63 as Pakistan removed Steve Smith and Travis Head early in the day, briefly igniting hope before it faded away.
Facing a daunting chase, Pakistan suffered an early setback as Abdullah Shafique fell for two in the first over. Captain Shan Masood, in his inaugural Test as captain, also departed soon after, leaving Pakistan struggling at 17-2. Starc and Hazlewood continued to trouble the batting lineup, dismissing Imamul Haq and later capturing key wickets to seal Australia’s emphatic win.
Lyon’s pivotal contributions, coupled with Hazlewood’s effectiveness, dismantled the Pakistani tail. Australia resumed their innings at 84-2 on the fourth day, contending with a challenging pitch. Khawaja and Smith faced early difficulties, with Khurram Shahzad claiming Smith’s wicket. Travis Head’s aggressive play added some runs, but he fell for 14. Despite moments of tension, Marsh and Khawaja’s partnership, along with audacious strokes, set the stage for Australia’s declaration at 233-5.
As the series moves to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test, Australia holds a commanding position, while Pakistan aims for a comeback in the upcoming matches in Sydney.
